Business Education

Business Owners, Want to be Better Leaders? Then, Stop Apologizing and Use these Sentiments Instead

If you’re anything like the average person, your parents probably instilled in you the courtesy to apologize. Saying you’re sorry is one of the most important keystones of polite society. So, it should definitely not come as a surprise that very politeness eventually turns into second nature compulsion. In fact, people use the phrase way too often and don’t really think about its effects. Now, in purely interpersonal situations, this is probably quite benign. But, when you’re running a business, this habit could cause a lot of unnecessary trouble.

Apologizing isn’t Always Positive

Of course, there have been academic studies confirming that apologizing too much tends to have adverse outcomes. It not only shows a willingness to capitulate, but it also underscores an underlying weakness. Furthermore, the same studies reveal that it can cause anger or resentment in others – two emotions you definitely want to avoid, if at all possible.

After you hurt someone’s feelings or do something wrong, it turns out that saying sorry might not be the best solution. In fact, an apology might just add fuel to the fire, a recent study by researchers from Dartmouth College and the University of Texas has found. —Entrepreneur.com

Apologizing too much doesn’t always result in dire circumstances. But, it may also easily create the impression that you’ll simply go along to get along no matter what. In other words, give the impression your preference is to avoid any and all confrontation, because it is too uncomfortable for you to handle. Obviously, none of these things are good for an entrepreneur, but this doesn’t mean you have to be stubborn, obtuse, or even mean.

3 Alternatives to Saying your Sorry

When you apologize, you’re not only relating your own disposition, you’re sending signals to the other person or group of people. Fortunately, there are at least three handy phrases you can use in place of saying you’re sorry or apologizing outright:

“I appreciate your patience.” Whether you’re late for an appointment or something is taking longer than it should have, save the apology and use this phrase instead. It has the same effect that you’re looking for but doesn’t put the blame solely on you and compliments the other person.
“Thank you for working with me.” This is a great alternative when things aren’t going according to plan. In a sense, you’re still apologizing, but you are not doing so directly, and again you are giving the other person a nice compliment.
“Here’s a slightly different perspective.” Rather than blurting out an apology for something you haven’t said yet, use this expression to bolster your credibility and get people to actually listen to what you have to say. This is a terrific way to join in on a conversation or to bring your point of view up.

What other suggestions do you have for apology alternatives? Please, take a few moments to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your input! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Like this article?

The Smartphone Stagnation Explains Why Consumers Are Ghosting New Models (And What It Means for Your Business)

April 2, 2026 No Comments

Remember when the newest smartphone was actually exciting? Even non-techy people looked forward to upgrading their devices to get their hands on the latest and greatest features. Consumers genuinely felt they were switching up for something better, improving their experience and, in some ways, their lives. But today, people just aren’t as interested. When a company announces a new model, few pay attention. But why?

Don’t Dare Make these Startup Customer Service Mistakes

May 5, 2017 No Comments

Your business is really your customers’ and when you stop to think about that, it puts things in perspective. You need paying customers to stay in business and when you pay them respect, you invest in your company’s future. We’ve all dealt with bad customer service and have shared horrific stories about our experiences. In fact, studies show that customers who are satisfied with a company will share their enthusiasm with two to three people. However, dissatisfied customers will share their negative experiences with eight to ten people, even as many as twenty. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, but too many business owners focus on the bottom line in ways other than customer service. They think about how to increase exposure, new opportunities, upping sales figures, and the like. It’s usually only when a problem arises, brought to attention by a particular person, that customer service is put front-and-center. By then, it could well be too late and that shouldn’t be allowed to happen. Costly Startup Customer Service Mistakes Whether you’re building your book of business or have several clients, you need to make customer service a top priority, and, one that is ingrained into everyday practice. Being proactive is essential to success in pleasing your customers, and, they will assuredly take notice. After all, we as consumers continue to patronize the same places where we are made to feel important, even if the product or service isn’t necessarily the best of the best. No matter how great your company’s product or service is, if your customer service skills are lacking, it won’t make much difference. This is especially true in today’s economy, as struggling business owners need every possible advantage over their competition. Unfortunately, far too many business owners make the same customer service mistakes over and over again, sending their customers into the arms of their competitors. —All Business.com That’s how important good customer service really is, it removes or displaces many objections, and, can be the single most powerful thing that beats out your competition. You ought to take advantage of anything and everything you can and this area is where your company can excel. What you shouldn’t do is to make one of these startup customer service mistakes: Not responding in a timely manner. Forgo those auto email replies because they deliver a message that you don’t want to send: you’re too busy to be bothered to personally respond. A simple reply shows there’s someone who cares and values the sender as a business partner. Taking on projects that aren’t within your core competency. When startups take on everything that’s asked of them, even things which aren’t part of their core competencies, they make a huge mistake. The results are highly likely to be disappointing and that can mean losing future business. Limiting your connections to your customers. Complicated phone trees and canned online forms only serve as a frustration point for your customers and send a message that you don’t want direct contact. Be willing and open to connect with your customers and they’ll feel important. You don’t follow-up with past and present customers. It’s absolutely imperative that you check-in and follow-up with past and present customers. It lets them know you value them and is a great way to build-up your networking skills. Not having a set customer service protocol. Everyone in your organization should be in-the-know about customer service protocol and follow it when needed. If you don’t establish a set of practices, you’re leaving too much to chance. Two other big no-nos are being too accommodating and being too defensive of constructive criticism. Taking on everything that’s requested to look bigger than you are is a one-way ticket to mediocrity, or even to failure. While not being able to accept and learn from constructive criticism will make you appear obtuse and/or egotistical. Be grateful for your customers and show it and that alone will do wonders. [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

Trump Clinton Obama Spying Teach a Great Business Lesson

June 7, 2017 No Comments

If you follow the latest news, you no doubt know there’s a lot of allegations about spying. And, you’ve definitely heard the word “collusion” all-too-many times. It’s post-election politicking at its worst (or best, depending on your perspective). Anonymous sources are spilling the proverbial beans day in and day out. Regardless of your take, all of this does teach a solid business lesson, you just have to look past the ugliness. That lesson is how to protect company secrets, particularly when employees depart. How to Protect Company Secrets after Employees Leave One of the best measures is to get to know all your team members so you can keep them happy. You might learn it’s time to transform your company’s culture or take other steps to improve the environment. The more involved you are with your employees, the better able you are to deal with problems before they arise or before they become overwhelming. This way, if you have a new hire who is willing to share information about a previous employer, you’ll know that’s a possibility when he or she leaves. Ever wonder why generic forms of cola never seem to taste quite like the taste made famous by Coca-Cola brand? Or why nothing quite measures up to the “special sauce” in a McDonald’s Big Mac? It’s not for lack of effort by way of competitors, but instead, a careful product of some of the best-kept industry secrets. While many industries basically work to reproduce the same type of product in different forms, what helps a company distinguish itself from its competitors, gain notoriety, and keep a competitive edge is the little known inner workings that make their products or services stand out from the pack. —Business.com It’s also a great idea to get to know your team members because then you can learn about them as individuals. This is a wonderful way to know what rewards are most appreciated. And, content employees are typically more loyal. On the other hand, employees who are kept at arm’s length tend to be more disgruntled. According to a Ponemon Institute study, 61 percent of unhappy team members steal company information. But there are other steps you can take to protect company secrets, even after employees leave your organization: Set expectations. “It’s better to be safe than sorry,” the old adage warns. And, this is true when it comes to keeping company secrets. You have to ask yourself about what’s most valuable to your business and that’s what needs top priority protection. This starts by setting expectations and keeping employees informed about company confidentiality policies. If necessary, have employees sign non-disclosures so they are less tempted to share secrets. Utilize technology. In today’s modern technological environment, there are plenty of tools at your disposal. Use them to your advantage so there’s less access or blocked access where it’s appropriate. For instance, if you are developing a new tool, salespeople should not have access to the plans but designers should. Put technology to work where needed and that will help to minimize potential risk. Monitor employees. You can also use technology beyond controlling access. Monitoring employees can be a treasure trove and provide much appreciated relief. For example, if a team member is about to leave and is actively interviewing with other companies, monitoring their digital activity might be worthwhile. Cut off access quickly. Although it’s not pleasant to think about, when an employee departs, unless it’s on truly amicable terms, there’s a risk something that could go with them, carried right out the door. So, be sure to terminate access right away to remain safe. How do you keep trade secrets? What steps do you take to protect company secrets? Please share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group. [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]